Feds review Coquille casino plans

A 500-video game casino proposed by the Coquille Indian Tribe in Medford is under review by the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs in what could be the first phase of a lengthy process.

A 500-video game casino proposed by the Coquille Indian Tribe in Medford is under review by the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs in what could be the first phase of a lengthy process.

The city of Medford last week received a letter from the Interior Department asking for comments on the proposal to build the casino inside a bowling alley on a 2.42-acre property at 2375 S. Pacific Highway.

Other information requested by the bureau involves the impact locally from removing the property from the tax rolls.

According to the Assessor's Office, the property's estimated market value is $1.8 million and the 2012 taxes were $18,303.80.

City Councilor Bob Strosser said it is still not clear what sort of information the Coquille tribe wants from city officials as part of the application process.

"The first thing we need to know is what kind of information they are soliciting or are receptive to that we could provide in the interest of our community," he said.

The city may request an extension to the 30-day response period, Strosser said. The 30-day response period ends March 6.